A cool orange sun washes over Kalamazoo as volunteers and coaches meet in the early morning hours to start preparing the course for the yearly 5K, Hosted at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. As registration tents rise and trails are cordoned off for runners, the iconic FINISH line is assembled and ready for another Year of Runners.
Since its first season in 2001, The Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo (GOTRGK) 5k has been a staple in the region for over 23 years. Over 1,000 Girls from Kalamazoo and Allegan County meet as a penultimate end to their Girls on the Run season. This Race isn’t one for 1st past the finish; however, it is a celebration of the girl’s journey and growth.
Over the past 2 months, girls have been meeting with their individual groups hosted at schools and community centers across the region. The groups, led by volunteer coaches, provide the girls with a standardized curriculum aimed at growing their Confidence, Character, and Physical Activity. The Girls participate in both physical games as well as written exercises to better understand themselves and help realize their true potential! This form of mentoring has been proven to have a longterm impact on girls lives and help shape their future.
“It was fun but hard,” said Laura Bailey, a local coach who has been with GOTRGK for 20 years. “Everything was brand new and intense. But after it was over, I missed my girls. I just want to love on these kids!” Laura expressed why she keeps coming back each year despite her own children graduating out of the program. “We’re investing in the experience of these girls as they grow up and go through the hardest days,” said Laura. “Kids appreciate and don’t push back against you believing in them.”
Families have the option to run with their girls or support from the sidelines with their many creative and inspiring banners! Coaches frequently run with their girls as well, acting as their first cheer leader as the hit the start and finish line.
Despite the name, Girls don’t have to run to participate in the 5K. Many girls run, but many others walk, skip, dance, or walk backwards to the finish line. GOTRGK is also inclusive of girls with injuries and disabilities, providing assistance to make sure every girl has the opportunity to participate.
GOTRGK was featured in WWMT on their Website. Check out their story here.
Registration for the 2025 Season Opens in November, with Late Registration Open on January 6th of 2025.